Entertainment
Lady Day and The Lights!
That need to entertain herself while entertaining others made Billie Holiday worth the price of admission at any cost. She was a legend. Sadly, though, her addiction to the drugs that eventually quieted her voice was too much for her. In fact, by the time she had had enough, the effects had silenced one of the most extraordinary vocal talents in our history. "Southern trees bear a strange fruit," Billie Holiday sang. Lights Up!
Grand Rapids Club Holds Annual Rocking Chair Event
The free event was held at Hero's Corner on Saturday, March 16 including a hot lunch. "First of all, thank you to the Grand Rapids Club of NANBPWC for allowing me to be part of this year's Rocking Chair event, said club member Dinah Britt. It was an honor and a privilege to be in a room full of Black excellence. The diversity, equity and inclusion work that I do today, is because I am standing on the shoulders of my mother and a lot of the Grand Rapids Club Holds Annual Rocking Chair Eventwomen who were in that room on March 16th. Which has allowed me the strength to bear the weight of my daughters standing on my shoulders. Understand who you are and why you exist, don't let someone else tell your story. Thank you NANBPWC for letting me tell mine."
Live African American Museum
The Live African American Museum serves to educate, celebrate and honor history. It was the vision of Rev. Dr. Howard C. Earle, Jr., eighteen years ago. On February 24, 2024, in partnership with Woodland Mall, the New Hope Baptist Church Drama Ministry presented its 10th showcase for the Greater Grand Rapids community.
Tommy McGee A Blast From The Past
What is interesting about life is never knowing if the path that you have chosen will alter. Tommy McGee is an old school R&B musician, entertainer and recording artist who roamed the entertainment scene in Grand Rapids and throughout the Midwest during the 60s, 70s and 80s. He performed and recorded with his soul funk group The TMG's Band and went solo recording his first album when he met Producer Palmer James who jump started the career of legendary soul singer Al Green. Tom unintentionally formed his own label TMG Records in 1963, and he would write and produce, and put out records on it whenever other labels picking up his music never properly promoted them or released them. It was thought he had found the right outlet when the Major music giant Mercury Records released his single "I'm A Stranger" only to be let down, and then he signed with another giant label Brunswick Records to encounter the same. His song "Now That I Have You" was picked up by the multiplatinum Producer Jeff Lane of American Dream Records and for the lack of promotions the song did not prevail. He had a quick bout when LA International distributed his women's equal rights song "She's Got Her E.R.A."
The Pink Tie Affair Gala
The Pink Tie Affair Gala began with just a way to celebrate local Breast Cancer Survivors. What we do is to contact Breast Cancer Survivors and a lot of them are nominated by friends and family who would like for their sister, mother, grandmother to be apart of this celebration. In this week's edition Yolanda Traylor and Carolyn Pinder shared the meaning of the event, when it began, it's purpose and more.
Urban Men's Ministry Leader Named 2024 GIANT Among Giants
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A community acvist whose ministry focuses on urban men was recognized as the 2024 GIANT Among Giants during an awards ceremony tonight. The Rev. Jerry Bishop founded LifeQuest Urban Outreach in 1998. The ministry works with 1,100 adult and young men monthly, involving them in programs such as Night Quest, Saving Our Sons, and BROTHER-2-BROTHER weekly worship.
Radio Icon Donnie Simpson Takes Final Bow After 55 Years In Broadcasting
An icon, trailblazer, and media legend, Simpson held a commanding presence in Washington, D.C.